Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has called on the Governor of Upper Nile State to engage grassroots leaders in efforts to end the ongoing violence in the region.
Yakani voiced his concern as tensions remain high in Upper Nile following armed confrontations between local communities.
He emphasized the urgent need for the involvement of traditional and local authorities, including chiefs and county and payam leaders, to help bring peace and stability.
In a statement to the media, Yakani said, “I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to His Excellency the Governor of Upper Nile State to engage every local leader with the power to influence decisions. Their involvement is critical to de-escalate the ongoing targeted killings and deadly violence.”
He further condemned the ethnic and tribal killings, which he said are “inappropriately motivated by the interests of political leaders, some in political parties, others in uniform.”
Yakani also issued a strong warning to political and military leaders allegedly behind the violence, stressing the need for justice and accountability.
“The loss of innocent lives will one day hold you accountable,” he said. “You may not see it as a problem now, but the blood of these citizens will demand justice.”
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Rebecca Joshua Okwachi, a national lawmaker from Upper Nile State representing Panyikang County in the Transitional Legislative Assembly, raised similar concerns over continued fighting in her area and surrounding villages near Malakal.
Okwachi reported that a White Army militia group from Jonglei State – composed of Nuer civilians – had attacked Panyikang County, with clashes reaching villages near Malakal County.
“Fighting broke out Sunday in Nyiluak, Pakwa, and Obai villages in northern Panyikang,” she said. “By Monday, the attackers had advanced to Uwachi village, just a few kilometers from Malakal.”
“As you know very well, Uwachi is not far from Malakal, you can even walk there,” she added. “These incidents have sparked fear, forcing many residents to flee to the U.N. camp, while others are hiding on the western bank of the river or in swamps.”
Okwachi, a former national minister who has held several government positions, also accused forces aligned with the SPLA-IO—under the leadership of detained First Vice President Riek Machar—of being involved in the attacks.
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